One Heart Boston

Continuing to feel sad and angry since learning about the Boston Marathon bombings on Monday, I’ve been trying to determine how I can help my college town. I want to do something to help the victims whose lives have been forever altered and celebrate the rescue workers who showed undeniable heroism. But what could I do from Omaha? Give blood at my local Red Cross? Organize some sort of fundraising event?

Here’s what I’ve found: The One Fund Boston was formed by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino to raise money to help the families most affected by the tragedy at the Boston Marathon.

You can make a direct PayPal donation to The One Fund Boston, but several generous and talented individuals are now selling products whose proceeds will also go to The One Fund Boston. T-shirts with the slogan Boston Strong, now a widely-used hashtag on Twitter, are being sold by a small group of students from Emerson, another Boston college.

One Heart Boston comes from Hairpin Communications, a Boston-based agency. The cityscape graphic created by Hairpin Senior Designer Aaron Bouvier was initially shared via social media to friends but went viral. I first saw it on Erika’s blog, Foxtrot Press. Now the graphic is being printed on t-shirts, tote bags, and letterpress posters to benefit The One Fund Boston. I love this simple design (especially since it features the Citgo sign that stands so prominently on BU’s campus near Kenmore Square) and just purchased the letterpressed print.

CNN lists additional ways to help in the wake of the Boston bombings.

And now back to watching live coverage of the manhunt for the remaining suspect and possible accomplices. I’ve been glued to the TV all morning…